Door alarms will be installed in school buildings citywide in 2015

Council Member Robert Cornegy, Jr., joined by dozens of parent members of StudentsFirstNY, announced the results of the Department of Education’s first annual report required by Avonte’s Law.

"Today's report by the U.S. Census Bureau that New York spends more than any other state per student should serve as a wake up call. Money alone cannot solve the education crisis in New York State. We need fundamental reform. All options need to be on the table to improve schools so every child has access to the best teachers and every family has access to great school choices," said Executive Director Jenny Sedlis.

"The Board of Regents made a strong choice in selecting MaryEllen Elia as New York State's next Education Commissioner. She is a nationally recognized leader in education, who has a record of accomplishment in helping boost the achievement for low-income children. As a former educator herself, she knows firsthand what it takes for schools to succeed. We believe MaryEllen Elia will lead the way to give all of New York's students the schools they deserve," said Executive Director Jenny Sedlis.

"It's disheartening to learn that certain lawmakers who approved teacher assessment reforms during the budget process have flip-flopped after a special interest group complained about the agreement. If New York State is serious about improving education, it must move forward with a better teacher evaluation system," said Executive Director Jenny Sedlis.

"The State Education Department has offered a comprehensive and balanced proposal for a new teacher evaluation system. Instead of rhetoric and hyperbole this is an honest and thoughtful system that treats teachers as the professionals they are and gives students the world-class public education they deserve," said Executive Director Jenny Sedlis.

Borough with Worst Ratio of Charter Schools Per Child Demands Greater School Choice

(Queens, New York) – Queens public school parents are joining together to call on the New York State Legislature to lift the cap on charter schools. The parents, volunteer members of StudentsFirstNY’s grassroots organizing effort, demanded greater school choice for Queens, the borough with the fewest charter schools per student.

"StudentsFirstNY congratulates new Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan. Senator Flanagan is a committed champion for expanding school choice and access to great teachers, and we look forward to working with him on behalf of students and parents across the state," said Executive Director Jenny Sedlis.

"It's pretty shocking that the Mayor did not include a single real solution to New York City's failing schools crisis in his budget presentation. Mayor de Blasio seems more concerned with raising his national profile than improving the education of New York City public school children," said StudentsFirstNY Executive Director Jenny Sedlis.